Sunday rumour mill: Chelsea eye £20m Man United target as new Lampard

Even if Frank Lampard does sign a new contract at Chelsea before next season, the club will need to replace the inspirational midfielder in the near future.

Although the west London side brought Nemanja Matic back from Benfica in January, the centre of the park looks like one area that the Blues may look to strengthen at the end of the season.

The Mirror have today suggested that the Stamford Bridge side have identified Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal as a summer target and a man capable of having as much influence as Lampard in the long run.

The Chile international, who has also emerged as a reported target for Manchester United in the past, is adjudged as one of the best central midfielders in Europe.

The South American has played a key role in Juventus’ domestic success in recent seasons and is set to star at this summer’s World Cup.

Despite Chelsea’s supposed interest, Vidal has stated recently that he is very happy in Turin and has no plans to leave Juventus.

However, with the Serie A champions revealing in the past that they could be powerless to let one of their stars go if a significant bid was lodged, Chelsea could force Vidal’s hand.

The report suggests that Chelsea are ready to bid £20 million for the 26-year-old in the summer. However, with Vidal in his prime, this may well not be enough to convince Juve to part company with one of their most important players.

Gareth McKnight

I am a freelance football journalist from Northern Ireland, currently living and working from Broome in Western Australia. After a degree in sports journalism from the University of Stirling in Scotland, I started in the online football world and have worked for leading websites and media outlets since. My knowledge and passion is based around the Premier League and European football, but I also have a soft spot for the Australian A-League.